Detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) are issuing the image of a man who is wanted after being sentenced for drug offences at Preston Crown Court yesterday, Monday 12 August.

52-year-old Darren Henderson of Monkswood Bank, Leeds, West Yorkshire was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to produce Class B amphetamine following a trial. He did not appear for sentencing and is now wanted.

Henderson initially failed to appear last month when 10 men and one women were sentenced to a total of 61 years and nine months in prison following two linked operations into the large-scale production of amphetamines.

Working alongside the National Crime Agency (NCA), the investigation centred around the creation of two illicit drug laboratories by criminals operating across the north of England.

Detective Inspector Jason Pye from NWROCU said: "We are pleased that Henderson has today been convicted in court in his absence, and will continue to act on all information provided to locate him. His co-conspirators are facing a long spell in prison, and now we want Henderson to face the consequences of his actions.

"NWROCU exists to tackle and take down the most serious, hardened and organised criminals who pose a significant threat to our communities, and Henderson and those already sentenced certainly fit the bill.

"We cannot do this work alone and are grateful for our colleagues at NCA and the other police forces involved, for assisting and supporting us during this wide-ranging and ongoing investigation.

“Keep coming forward and if you have any information on the whereabouts of Henderson, please contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”